Today we’d like to introduce you to Maria Daniela Romero
Hi Maria Daniela, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I’m a Venezuelan attorney who moved to the United States 10 years ago, and like many who leave their homeland, I had to reinvent myself. What began as a journey of adaptation turned into a newfound passion for entrepreneurship and Lil Folds was born. Together with my husband, who has over 10 years of experience in the food industry, we embarked on creating a business centered around folded foods. Our signature offerings include mini sweet crepes and delicious baked empanadas, crafted with care and creativity. We’re constantly learning, growing, and excited to connect with our community through our food.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Moving to a new country and reinventing myself was a challenge, and starting a business in an entirely new industry added another layer of complexity. While my background as an attorney gave me strong problem-solving skills, venturing into the food industry meant learning everything from scratch—recipes, supply chains, marketing, and even how to engage with customers. On top of that, balancing a new business with family life has been a constant juggling act. There were moments of doubt and setbacks, but they’ve been valuable learning experiences. With each challenge, we’ve grown stronger as a team, and I’m proud of the resilience and creativity we’ve built along the way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Lil Folds?
My husband and I run a small food business where we specialize in creating unique, folded foods—miniature sweet crepes and delicious baked empanadas. Our focus is on offering a fresh twist on traditional dishes by making them bite-sized and portable, perfect for any occasion. What sets us apart is the combination of creativity, authenticity, and quality. We put a lot of care into every batch, ensuring a product that feels homemade and special.
What I’m most proud of is how far we’ve come in a short time, especially given that I did not have prior experience in the food industry. Despite the learning curve, we’ve been able to craft a brand that’s gaining recognition for its flavor and creativity. We’re also incredibly proud of the community we’re building. It’s rewarding to see how people connect with our food and how it brings a little taste of home to both newcomers and longtime residents. What truly sets us apart is our commitment to not just making food, but creating an experience for our customers—one that’s rooted in passion, hard work, and a love for sharing something meaningful.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned along this journey is the power of resilience and adaptability. When I first started, there were so many unknowns—both in terms of running a business and learning a new industry. I quickly realized that things don’t always go as planned, and the key to success is being flexible, staying positive, and constantly finding ways to learn and improve. Whether it’s adjusting recipes, pivoting our marketing approach, or facing unexpected challenges, I’ve learned that setbacks are a natural part of growth. What matters most is how you respond, stay committed to your vision, and remain open to new ideas.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @lilfoldstx
- Facebook: Lil Folds TX
Image Credits
All images are ours
